Display-dispenser for packages



Feb. 7, 196? Filed July 21, 1964 G. (I. fi-PARKEE DISPLAY-DISPENSER FOR PACKAGES 2 Sheets-Sheet l a fi; Ja

I) kw INVENTOR MM M ATTORNEY Feb. 7,, 1%? (5. 3 :sP/mm fifimywfi DISPLAY-DISPENSER FOR PACKAGES Filed July 21, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheec 2 IINVENTOR BY MM. rm

ATTORNEY United States Patent This invention relates generally to the packaging field, and is especially concerned with a unique construction for the organization, display and the dispensing of packages.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a unique display-dispenser for packages, wherein the packages are attractively presented to view, while being effectively protected from removal and damage, and further wherein the packages may be quickly and easily removed for use, as required.

It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a highly improved display-dispenser having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, which is extremely simple in construction, durable throughout distribution, storage and handling, and which can be economically manufactured and employed for usage in large quantities.

While the device of the present invention has been primarily developed and employed for use in the distribution, display and dispensing of pharmaceuticals, and will be illustrated and described hereinafter with particular reference thereto, it is understood that the advantageous features of the instant invention are capable of many varied applications, all of which are intended to be comprehended herein.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view showing a display-dispenser constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the display-dispenser of FIGURE 1, illustrating removal therefrom of a package;

FIGURE 3 is a rear elevational view of the device of FIGURES 1 and 2;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 44 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a partial sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 55 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view showing a slightly modified embodiment of display-dispenser constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of the display-dispenser of FIGURE 7, showing the formed insert sheet apart from the container;

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 9-9 of FIGURE 8, illustrating removal of a package;

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 10-10 of FIGURE 8; and

FIGURE 11 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 1111 of FIGURE 8.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGURES l5 thereof, a display-dispenser is there generally designated 20, and includes a pair of parallel spaced, upstanding supports 21 of generally tubular configuration. Extending between the supports 21, on one side thereof is a connecting part 22. The parallel spaced supports 21, on their facing sides, are each formed with a plurality of transversely extending slots 23. The slots23 of one support 21 are in substantial alignment with respective slots 23 of the other support 21. Extending between and having opposite end margins removably engaged in the slots 23 of respective supports 21 are a plurality of packages 24.

More specifically, the display-dispenser 20 may be fabricated of suitably stiff bendable sheet material, such as cardboard, including a generally rectangular back wall 311 having generally rectangular outer panels 31 extending forwardly from opposite side edges of the back wall at the lower regions thereof. A generally rectangular forward panel 32 extends from the forward edge of each outer panel 31 laterally inward toward and terminating short of each other, while a generally rectangular inner panel 33 extends generally rearwardly from the inner edge of each forward panel 32 to the back panel 30. The inner panels 33 are thus in spaced, generally facing relation. Extending from the rear edges of inner panels 33 are secureiment flaps 34 secured to the back panel 30. Thus, it will be seen that each support 21 is of generally upright tubular formation, being defined by a tubular arrangement of associated panels 31, 32 and 33, and the adjacent portion 35 of rear panel 30.

Formed in each of the facing panels 33 are the slots 23, there being a series of generally horizontal, vertically spaced slots 23 in each panel 33, with the slots of one panel in respective alignment with the slots of the other panel. The slots 23 each extend from the rear connecting part 22 forwardly and have their forward ends opening through the front panel 32, as by notches 40. Located in each slot 23 is a resiliently deflecta-ble edge flap 44 normally urged toward a slot-closing position and resiliently defiectable away from the opposite slot edge for 'remova bly receiving and frictionally gripping an inserted package 24.

The back wall 30 may extend upward beyond the supports 21, as by a generally rectangular upper portion 41. The upper back-wall portion 41 may be formed with a thru opening 42; and, a flap 43 may extend partially across the opening 42. On the forward side of the upper backwall portion 51 may be a front piece 45, such as a stiff sheet or card secured in facing engagement with the upper back-panel portion 41. The front piece or sheet 45 may be integral with or separate form the back panel 30, and is advantageously adhesively secured about its margin to the upper portion 41 of the back panel 30. This leaves a central portion of front sheet 45 unsecured or free from a central region of upper back sheet portion 41 so as to define a pocket 46 communicating through the opening 42 with the exterior of the display-dispenser. The pocket 46 is well suited to contain :a circular 47, say of professional information, instructions, or the like, readily withdrawable from the pocket and conveniently carried thereby throughout distribution without detracting from the appearance of the device. The flap 43 partially covers the opening 42 and is swingable 'away from the opening for greater access to a circular 47 contained in the pocket 46.

The packages 24 may be of a laminated construction, including a central raised portion or blister t) and a generally planar peripheral margin 51. In the illustrated embodiment the blister is of elongate configuration, and the margin 51 of conforming configuration; and, the space between facing walls 33 is sufiicient to accommodate the blister 50 while opposite end portions of the margin 51 are received and frictionally retained in horizontally aligned slots 23. The frictional retention of end portions of margin 51 is best seen in FIGURE 5, the slot flaps 44 there being resiliently deflected out of the slots 23 by insertion of the package margin.

It will now be apparent that the display-dispenser 20 may be conveniently stored, transported and used, with a maximum of protection to the packages 24. Also, that the packages may be quickly and easily loaded into the display-dispenser and readily removed therefrom, as by manual withdrawal of a user. Also, the construction of upper back part 41 and its face sheet 45, in addition to providing the pocket 46, affords additional space for copy and printed matter.

In the embodiment of FIGURES 6-11 is shown a display-dispenser 20a including a pair of spaced, generally parallel facing supports 21a connected on one side by a back part 22a extending between the supports 21a. The supports 21a are each formed with a plurality of generally parallel grooves or slots 23a extending transversely of the respective support, with the slots of one support in facing alignment with respective slots of the other support. A plurality of packages 240, which may be the same as packages 24 of the first-described embodiment, are inserted with their opposite end marginal portions engaged in respectively aligned slots 23a.

In the embodiment of FIGURES 61 1, the support Zia and connecting part 22a are advantageously received in a container 25, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

The supports 21a and connecting part 22a may advantageously be integrally fabricated of a single sheet 26 of plastic material, say by thermoforming or other suitable procedure. In such operation, opposite margins of the sheet 26 are each formed to provide a series of adjacent, spaced upset portions 27, the spaces between adjacent upset portions providing the slots 23a. In addition, the portion of sheet 26 medially between the rows of upset portions 27 may also be formed with a series of adjacent, spaced upset portions 28. The spaces between upset portions 28 define grooves or slots 29, each of which is in alignment with a respective aligned pair of slots 23a.

As the medially located row of upset portions 28 is spaced on opposite sides, as at 36 from the adjacent row of upset portions 27, the latter rows may be swung relative to the intermediate row by bending of the sheet portions 36. This is best seen in FIGURES 9 and 10.

Thus, the marginal portions of sheet 26 formed with upsets 27 and slots 23a define the supports 21a and are swung into facing relation relative to the intermediate row of upset portions 28. In this condition, the formed sheet 26 is disposed in the container 25. More specifically, the container 25 may include a generally rectangular bottom Wall 53, upon which seats the medial portion of formed sheet 26, and upstanding side walls 54 interconnected by a top wall 55. The sides or margins of sheet 26, providing the supports 210, may extend obliquely upward to and rest against an upper region of the adjacent side wall 54. At opposite ends of the container 25 may be formed openable end walls 56 and 57. The top wall 55 may be formed with a relatively large thrn opening 58 extending into one end wall 56, as at 59. A cover flap 60 may be hingedly connected to the upper edge of one side wall 54 and swingable into and out of covering relation with respect to the top wall 55.

In assembly, the packages 24a may each be provided with a circumferential marginal flange 51a, opposite end portions which are frictionally engaged in respective aligned slots 23a, while an intermediate marginal portion is frictionally engaged in the respective intermediate slot 29. The packages 2401 are thus substantially completely exposed through top-wall opening 58 when cover 6% is open, for quick and easy removal of packages from the device 20a. However, in storage, shipment and other handling, the packages are effectively protected from damage and remain attractively accessible for use.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a display-dispenser which fully accomplishes its intended objects and is well adapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture, distribution and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A display-dispenser for packages comprising a pair of elongate supports disposed in longitudinally extending facing spaced relation, a connecting part extending between said supports on one side thereof, said supports each being provided at longitudinally spaced locations therealong with a plurality of transverse slots in facing relation with the slots of the other support, each of said slots being open through one end thereof away from said connecting part, and a plurality of packages extending between said supports and each having oppositely outwardly extending margins removably engaged in respective slots, said packages being selectively removable by withdrawal of said margins through the open slot ends, said connecting part being provided with a plurality of additional slots in respective alignment with said firstmentioned slots, said packages each having an additional margin removably engageable in a respective additional slot, said supports and connecting part being integrally fabricated of a single sheet, said sheet being formed with a pair of generally parallel rows of spaced upset portions in opposite margins of said sheet, the spaces between said upset portions defining the slots of said supports, said sheet being formed in the region intermediate said margins with an intermediate row of spaced upset portions extending medially between said pair of rows, the spaces between the upset portions of said intermediate row defining the slots of said connecting part, and a receptacle containing said single sheet with said opposed sheet margins swung upwardly toward each other relative to said intermediate sheet region.

2. A display-dispenser for packages comprising a container including a bottom wall, spaced side walls upstanding from opposite sides of said bottom wall, and a centrally open top wall extending between side walls over said bottom wall; and an integral insert in said container thermoformed of a single fiat sheet of flexible thermoplastic material and comprising a connecting part resting on said bottom wall spaced from said side walls, said connecting part having a series of spaced upset portions arranged in a row extending medially between said container side walls, and a marginal part swingably connected to each side edge of said connecting part and extending therefrom transversely upward into resting engagement with the adjacent side wall, said marginal parts each being formed with a series of spaced upset portions arranged in a row parallel to the row of upset portions of said connecting part with the spaces between the upset portions of said marginal parts being in respective alignment with each other and the spaces between the upset portions of said connecting part, said aligned spaces defining slots for remova-bly retain- 5 ing a series of packages and said marginal parts extending to substantially the intersection of said top Wall with the adjacent side Wall.

3. A display-dispenser according to claim 2, in combination with end Walls on opposite ends of said con- 5 tainer, to retain said insert in said container.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,119,492 1/1964 Burket 20665 FOREIGN PATENTS 11/ 1929 France. 10/ 195 8 France. 10/ 1958 France.

X 10 LOUIS G. MANCENE, Primary Examine). 

1. A DISPLAY-DISPENSER FOR PACKAGES COMPRISING A PAIR OF ELONGATE SUPPORTS DISPOSED IN LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING FACING SPACED RELATION, A CONNECTING PART EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID SUPPORTS ON ONE SIDE THEREOF, SAID SUPPORTS EACH BEING PROVIDED AT LONGITUDINALLY SPACED LOCATIONS THEREALONG WITH A PLURALITY OF TRANSVERSE SLOTS IN FACING RELATION WITH THE SLOTS OF THE OTHER SUPPORT, EACH OF SAID SLOTS BEING OPEN THROUGH ONE END THEREOF AWAY FROM SAID CONNECTING PART, AND A PLURALITY OF PACKAGES EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID SUPPORTS AND EACH HAVING OPPOSITELY OUTWARDLY EXTENDING MARGINS REMOVABLY ENGAGED IN RESPECTIVE SLOTS, SAID PACKAGES BEING SELECTIVELY REMOVABLE BY WITHDRAWAL OF SAID ARGINS THROUGH THE OPEN SLOT ENDS, SAID CONNECTING PART BEING PROVIDED WITH A PLURALITY OF ADDITIONAL SLOTS IN RESPECTIVE ALIGNMENT WITH SAID FIRSTMENTIONED SLOTS, SAID PACKAGES EACH HAVING AN ADDITIONAL MARGIN REMOVABLY ENGAGEABLE IN A RESPECTIVE ADDITIONAL SLOT, SAID SUPPORTS AND CONNECTING PART BEING INTEGRALLY FABRICATED OF A SINGLE SHEET, SAID SHEET BEING FORMED WITH A PAIR OF GENERALLY PARALLEL ROWS OF SPACED UPSET PORTIONS IN OPPOSITE MARGINS OF SAID SHEET, THE SPACES BETWEEN SAID UPSET PORTIONS DEFINING THE SLOTS OF SAID SUPPORTS, SAID SHEET BEING FORMED IN THE REGION INTERMEDIATE SAID MARGINS WITH AN INTERMEDIATE ROW OF SPACED UPSET PORTIONS EXTENDING MEDIALLY BETWEEN SAID PAIR OF ROWS, THE SPACES BETWEEN THE UPSET PORTIONS OF SAID INTERMEDIATE ROW DEFINING THE SLOTS OF SAID CONNECTING PART, AND A RECEPTACLE CONTAINING SAID SINGLE SHEET WITH SAID OPPOSED SHEET MARGINS SWUNG UPWARDLY TOWARD EACH OTHER RELATIVE TO SAID INTERMEDIATE SHEET REGION. 